FALSE. Just because there was no loss of consciousness, does not mean there was no insult to the brain.

2. I have to wake my child up every hour after he/she got a concussion.

FALSE. Just like a sprained ankle, the brain needs to rest when it gets injured. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for someone who has suffered a concussion to want to sleep more the usual. Once the injured athlete has completed a post-injury assessment to ensure that immediate care is not necessary, rest is very important. That being said, if your child’s symptoms begin to worsen or more severe symptoms (weak or numbness in the limbs, seizures, repeated vomiting, or extreme changes in behaviour) develop, seek medical attention immediately.

3. My son/daughter got a concussion, I’m taking them out of all contact sports!

FALSE. All sports have their inherent danger BUT if a concussion is properly managed, in most cases the athlete should be able to return to full activity within a few weeks.

4. My Symptoms are gone... I can go back to full activity.

FALSE. Resolution of physical signs and symptoms is the first step in a successful and safe return to your sport. Often there is still diminished neurocognitive function (reaction time, memory, cognitive flexibility…) even after you are “feeling fine”. If you have completed a pre-injury neurocognitive baseline, you will want to ensure that the function of your brain is back to its normal pace with post-injury testing. **Sustaining a second trauma during this stage could result in more severe symptoms, extended recovery period, or possible long term effects.Lastly, a proper Return to Play (RTP) to ensure no symptoms return as you gradually increase your physical activity and contact over the course of a few days is necessary.

5. Helmets and mouth guards prevent concussions

FALSE. To date, there is no clinical evidence showing the use of helmets or mouth guards play a significant role in preventing concussions. Mouth guards are a great piece of equipment in prevention of dental injuries and helmets are great in preventing skull fractures. A concussion occurs when the brain moves within the skull and exterior protection cannot prevent that movement.

The 5 Most Troubling Running Injuries!

Plantar Fasciitis.

Achilles Tendinitis.

IT Band Syndrome.

Runner's Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Shin Splints. (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Runners, more often than not will experience an overuse injury at some point in their running career. Our goal as Certified Athletic Therapists and Registered Massage Therapists is to keep you running. Early attention is the key! Working together, the therapists at Alpine will keep you on track with your goals.

Jenna’s Top 5 Tips for ATs Traveling Abroad

Keep your google translate close. You can only hand gesture "non-adherent gauze" so many times in a small German town before you are asked to leave.

Pack light and smart. You never know what you're going to be biking 40 minutes to a game or training.

Use your time off wisely and efficiently. Time off can be few and far between so when you have a minute take it! Take a rip through downtown Dublin, a walk down Edegem or Velbert cobblestone and a cruise through the Amsterdam canals.

Get used to treating in small and odd spaces.

be prepared to wear many hats. "At one point during the tour I was Athletic Therapist + manager + psychologist + physiologist, but most importantly, Nutella supplier." While this may sound tough it only made sense to work that hard off the field when the team was working so hard on the field.

Alpine’s Top 5 Indoor and Outdoor Winter Activities

Top 5 Indoor Activities

Museum or mall walking. Get those steps in learning something new or doing your holiday shopping.

Bowling

Swimming at one of our city’s many indoor pools and waterparks

Yoga class or Group Fitness class

Climbing or bouldering at any of the 4 Calgary Climbing Centre locations

Top 5 Outdoor Activities

Tobogganing with friends and family at your local community hill

Luge, Bobsleigh and Skeleton track at Winsport

Skating at any public community rink or Olympic Plaza

Cross-Country Skiing
You don’t need to go to the mountains for this one. Many City of Calgary golf courses and parks have groomed and ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing

Snow Shoeing
You don’t need to go to the mountains for this one. Many City of Calgary golf courses and parks have groomed and ungroomed trails for snow shoeing.